THE WATERFRONT RAILWAY.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 212, 7 September 1922, Page 4

THE WATERFRONT RAILWAY.

1 The negotiations between the Harboiii Board and the Government in the mat tcr of the waterfront railway are surelj in need of a little explanation. Twc months ago the Minister of Railways expressed his opposition to the extension pretty strongly. "The Government,' 1 said Mr. Guthrie, in Parliament, "is not going to undertake the responsibility of endangering life and limb such as would undoubtedly be involved in this scheme." lie also said something that suggested that lie might be satisfied if the Harbour ■ Board provided safeguards. Now, how- | over, Mr. Guthrie seems to have faded out of the negotiations, which arc being conducted with the Prime Minister. A deputation from the Board discussed with Mr. Mafsey "the difference of opinion regarding the agreement with tho Railway Department,'' and the Prime Minister asked for a full written statement of the Board's claims. "As it would take at least twelve months before the Board would be ready there was no urgency in the matter," reported the chairman at the last meeting. By "ready"' .we take it that the chairman means that the railway extension will be finished. It is stated to-day that preliminary wort will soon be started, and, indeed,"a commencement has already been made in the building of new launch steps to replace I those about to lie -'scrapped."' The Board jis going straight ahead, regardless of I local protests and of the opinion of the Minister of Railways. It would be interesting to know bow this Ministerial I objection has been surmounted. Was it !by appealing over Mr. Guthrie's head to the I'rime Minister? The objection that Mr. Guthrie raised remains. An unguarded railway line in the street in frqnt of ihe Ferry Buildings will be a death-trap, and no promise has been given by the Roard that any special mean 9of protection will be "adopted. Protests by residents in the northern boroughs have had no effect whatever. If the objection raised by the Government is not going to prevent this shocking mistake being made, we look to the City Council to exert some influence. The time is ripe for the Council to act, and if the Mayor is unwilling to move in the matter of protecting citizens' interests we would urge members who oppose this scheme to assert themselves without further delay.